New fire-hardening standards for new construction took effect Aug. 1. Councilmembers are now weighing whether older homes should comply.

At the center of the fight are about 8-10 acres that could host a regional composting facility for Boulder County, a proposal that’s erupted into Longmont’s biggest land‑use battle in years.

The buffer zone is a key part of the city’s new wildfire safety rules, designed to reduce the risk of flames spreading from house to house.

Several councilmembers said the measure, which could generate about $15 million annually for mental health services, needed more refinement.

Bob Yates is a regular opinion columnist for Boulder Reporting Lab. He is a former member of the Boulder City Council. A version of this piece was also published in the August issue of the Boulder ...